By Callum Ludwig
The State Control Centre (SCC) has upped its flood warning from minor to moderate on Wednesday 4 October for all the townships along the Yarra River from Millgrove down to Coldstream and all the way to Warrandyte.
At 11.58am, a VicEmergency alert confirmed that an average of 89mm of rainfall was recorded in the upper part of the catchment and about 34mm in the lower part since 9am Tuesday 3 October.
An SCC spokesperson said their message for the high-risk season is to always be prepared, but not alarmed; based on the current climate outlook.
“Motorists need to be extra vigilant on the roads for debris including fallen trees. As we are also expecting heavy rain in some parts of Victoria, consider your need to travel, and consider where you are travelling, if it is in heavily treed areas of the state, whilst this weather passes given the significant risk of falling trees,” they aid.
“We are asking Victorians to prepare now. The best way to prepare is to know your local risk.”
When the alert was issued, the Yarra River between Coldstream and Millgrove recorded a depth of 3.56m, under the Minor Flood Level of 4m but is expected to rise to a Moderate Flood Level at as much as 5.1m overnight.
The Yarra River between Coldstream and Warrandyte is also set to hit above its Moderate Flood Level, initially recorded below the Minor Flood Level (4.1m) at 2.79m but potentially rising to as high as 4.6m overnight.
The Yarra River to Millgrove and the Watts River through Healesville are also expected to peak at or around their Minor Flood Level overnight.
Residents are urged to never enter floodwaters, either on foot or in a vehicle.
Victoria Police assistance was required to save a man who needed assistance in floodwaters in Alexandra on 3 October.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said it is believed the man was on a tractor attempting to rescue cattle around 8.35pm when he got into difficulty and was surrounded by water.
“Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad – Swift Water Rescue Team were able to successfully rescue man,” they said.
“The 43-year-old Alexandra man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.”
Substantial inundation is to be expected, including disruption to traffic. In particular, the Melba Highway at Yarra Glen is expected to be impacted by floodwaters while Settlement Road and Corduroy Road in Yarra Junction were already closed on Wednesday 4 October. Flooding above the floor level of a single-story home is expected in some areas.
Residents are asked to decide if they will need to evacuate if necessary, making sure gas and electricity are off at home and making sure they are aware of road closures before they set out to the homes of friends or family who are away from the flooding. When driving, keep an eye out for mud, debris or damaged roads and bridges.
For those who stay or for whom it is unsafe to leave, ensure you have stored enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated, use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow and move valuable or vital household items to high surfaces o avoid damage, even if it is just on top of a table, chair, bench or bed.
